SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Your Big Year youth empowerment program is challenging teens and young adults to build positive bridges among diverse cultures across the US and Canada with the launch of the (Virtual) Travel Impact Challenge. 100 diverse young leaders will be chosen to participate in a 4-day interactive virtual event providing not only an engaging social impact challenge, but also an opportunity to learn skills for the future, make long-lasting friendships, gain access to mentors, and receive training in UN Social Development Goals.
In 2020, challenges facing young people have created a perfect storm: COVID-19 and the new reality of virtual school, systemic racial and gender inequality in our society at large, increased effects of global warming, and a more divisive world. Yet, travel is a natural bridge for understanding challenges we are facing and learning about other cultures. According to the Student Youth Travel Association's Social Impact of Travel report, youth who do travel show a 52% increase in tolerance of other cultures and ethnicities. In addition, they show a 60% increase in willingness to learn and explore, 55% greater intellectual curiosity, and 56% increase in independence, self-esteem and confidence.
While travel may be difficult right now, we still can provide a forum to gain the skills learned through travel. Your Big Year Executive Director Marti Wigder Grimminck stated, "It has never been more critical than now that young people build bridges among cultures, and what better way than to make this type of experience accessible online?"
Many youth are transformed from their experience with Your Big Year. According to past Your Big Year participant Jackie Gardner from Ohio, "The biggest benefit I gained through Your Big Year is the exposure to different cultures. Through my experience I gained the confidence to create and to take opportunities that have really impacted my path for the better!"
Your Big Year's (Virtual) Travel Impact Challenge is sponsored by Student & Youth Travel Association, SYTA Youth Foundation, International Experience Canada, Teach & Travel Magazine, and International Connector. The Challenge is currently taking applications until November 10 and the virtual event will be held December 3-6. Young leaders ages 16-21 can apply at https://yourbigyear.com/travel-forum-apply. Teachers can also nominate students.
Your Big Year is a youth empowerment program run by San Francisco based impact agency, International Connector. The program challenges teens and young adults to make an impact in their life and in their world. For 14 years, Your Big Year has been working with young leaders across 190 countries through travel competitions, online curriculum, peer network, and inspirational media. http://www.yourbigyear.com
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Rachel Head, Your Big Year, +1 212 518 1304, [email protected]
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